Boys and Girls are Different

There are some obvious physical differences between girls and boys--my two year old can already point them out to me. But my kids are different in more ways than one.

Ali is sweet, gentle, considerate, quiet, shy, and very lovey-dovey.

Jordan is rowdy, messy, loud, extremely social, and very "MOM HOLD ME NOW OR I'LL SCREAM."

Because of these subtle (HA!) differences, I've discovered that I, without meaning to, treat them differently. For example, since I first came into Ali's life, I've made her take a bath every night she's with us. I've always been exceptionally patient with her. We can sit and read a book before bedtime. And not once have I ever spanked her.

Jordan, oh my sweet little rambunctious Jordan... I woke up this morning and couldn't remember the last time I made him take a bath. It's sometimes such a chore to make him get in the tub! "Noooo Mommy, no bath!" And then it's a chore to get him out of the tub. "Nooooo Mommy, not done!" And then when he is willing to take one he ends up pooping in there and then I spend half an hour gagging and scrubbing and bleaching. And I mean... does he really need to be that clean everyday anyway? He's just going to get dirty again... right? And sit still before bedtime and read a book? Don't make me laugh! When I read to him, it's while he runs around in circles, plays with his toys, etc. He doesn't "sit still" for anything (unless he's sick!). And yes, I have spanked him. In public, with him screaming "No Mommy, I lub ooooh (I love you)!"

With all that being said, I think it's perfectly normal and acceptable to treat your kids different because they ARE different. That doesn't mean I love one more than the other, it just means I have two unique children who require different things. :)